Meet Madison

Learn more about our Fellows and how to get involved by visiting our Join page or emailing us directly.

School:

Bard High School Early College Baltimore

Host Organization:

Wide Angle Youth Media

Year Born:

2002

If I could have one superpower, it would be:

I would definitely be invisible because sometimes I just want to be alone, but also because I could go places for free.

How long have you been thinking about making change or engaging other youth in making change?

I have been wanting to make change in my community for as long as I can remember. I first started by doing service projects in elementary school like volunteering with the homeless and donating to Katrina victims, but the older I get, the more I want to do.

Have there been any particularly important moments that keep you motivated?

Every time I think about the state of our education system or the state of violence in Baltimore, I get motivated to try to get involved with the community more.

Do you have any stories to share about that experience?

One thing that has continued to motivate me to look for change in Baltimore was my switch from a private school to a public school. I immediately noticed the things we did not have that I was used to having like water from pipes, central heating and cooling, and windows without bars. Even the lesson plans were subpar compared with what I was used to, and I was convinced that if I was going to spend the last years of my education in public schools, I was going to try to bring them to my level.

What issues or problems matter to you?

As many as I can, but I’m very passionate about education.

What motivates you to be involved in creating change in these areas?

A few years ago, my family was personally affected by the violence that tortures Baltimore. As helpless as I felt then, it was the people in charge who we counted on to do their jobs that made me feel reassured. They inspire me to do the same for others in my community, to reassure them things can be better if we all pitch in.

What do your friends and your family think of your involvement?

I think they are all really proud of me. They don’t necessarily want me going into politics, but they’re happy to see me get out and do something.

How do you feel that your work has made a difference?

I think through my work, I gain experiences that I can use to convince others to engage with the community also, and that one more person could start a domino effect.